SFB51109 Professional Communication II (Spring 2013)

The course is connected to the following study programs

• Mandatory course in the bachelor programme International Communication
• Specialisation course in the bachelor programme Business Administration, specialisation International Communication
• Continuation course in the bachelorprogramme Business Administration 

Prerequisites

Knowledge corresponding to the course Professional Communication I (10 ECTS credits) is recommended.

Lecture Semester

• Bachelor programme in International Communication: 1^st semester (autumn)
• Bachelor programme in Business Administration, specialisation: International communication: 5^th semester (autumn)
• Bachelor programme in Business Administration, contiuation course:  4^th semester (spring)

The student's learning outcomes after completing the course

KNOWLEDGE

At completion of the course the students will have gained sound knowledge of negotiation theory and terminology. Vocabulary and communication skills will have been improved through reading, discussion and presentations. Through the written part the students will have gained theoretical knowledge of writing advanced professional English texts.

SKILLS

The students have practical skills in writing texts in professional contexts, and they have further developed their language skills in general and professional English.

GENERAL COMPETENCE

The students’ general English language proficiency is improved and their social competence is further enhanced.

Content

The oral part of the course comprises negotiation technique and strategy, literature reading and discussions. Case studies are used as well as negotiation practice.

The written part comprises business texts such as reports, e-mails, memos, CVs and job applications.
The learning focuses on using effective communication strategies as well as relevant structures, conventions and terminology.

Forms of teaching and learning

Lectures and seminars using English.

Coursework requirements - conditions for taking the exam

• One practical negotiation
• One written assignment submitted by a given deadline
• 80% attendance in the oral part of the course. For exemption to be granted from this requirement, a written application must be submitted stating the reasons for failure of attendance. 

 All coursework must be approved before a student may take the final exam.

Examination

Individual term paper (7 to 10 pages) and oral examination (approx. 25 minutes)

The oral examination may adjust the written result by two steps on the A-F grading scale. Both the term paper and the oral test must be passed. No aids are permitted in the oral exam.
In the case of a failed result of the term paper or if the student wishes to improve the mark, the student may improve on the paper and resubmit it. The new exam will comprise both the written and the oral part.

If a complaint is filed about the final result, the written part will be reassessed. In the case of a changed result a new oral exam will be arranged in accordance with the exam regulations of Østfold University College (section 18-4).

Course evaluation

The course is evaluated twice each semester, once orally as mid-semester evaluation that takes place in a meeting between student representatives and the programme coordinator and/or the director of studies, and once as written end-of-term evaluation.

Literature

- Locker, K & S Kaczmarek (2007). Business Communication: Building Critical Skills. 3^rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill
- Fisher, R, W Ury & B Patton (1997). Getting to Yes. Negotiating an Agreement without Giving In. London: Arrow
- One novel (title given at the beginning of the semester)
- Course material published on the learning platform Fronter